ENGLISH
REFERENCE

big sleep

idiom
Meaning

Death.


Origin

first recorded 20th c. disputed origin

Apparently coined by novelist Raymond Chandler, author of The Big Sleep (1939).

Examples
SIMPLE

The old dog finally went to the big sleep.

CONTEXTUAL

The detective looked at the crime scene and realized the victim had taken the big sleep.

COMPLEX

After a long and weary life, the philosopher finally succumbed to the big sleep, leaving behind a legacy of profound thought.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    beauty sleep

    Originally, sleep taken before midnight, on the belief that early sleep hours conduce to beauty and health; now (chiefly humorous), sleep at any time needed by one to stay beautiful; (countable) an instance of such sleep.

  2. 02

    big boy

    A large object or person.

  3. 03

    big boys

    The people or bodies with the most influence and/or power.

  4. 04

    big break

    A breakthrough, especially the first big hit of a previously unknown performer or performers in the entertainment industry.

  5. 05

    big bucks

    Lots of money.

  6. 06

    big cheese

    A very important figure, especially a high-ranking person in an organization.

  7. 07

    big deal

    Something very important or difficult; a matter of great concern; a considerable feat or achievement.

  8. 08

    big dick energy

    Unassuming self-confidence.

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